Tuesday, March 23, 2010

My New Favorite Casserole

I don't know if you're anything like me, but when I get an idea in my head, I just have to see it through.  The other day I was thinking about meatball subs?!  Random.  I used to eat them growing up...from the school cafeteria of all places...and I loved them.  Such a yum, hearty meal.  Anywho, I had it in my mind that I HAD to have a meatball sandwich for dinner.  But I wanted something a little different!  SO...I found this AMAZING recipe that require all of NO effort and that, to me, is a recipe for success!!!  Mr. Spouse RAVED about it, so I know it was good!!!!!

MEATBALL SANDWICH CASSEROLE

1 Baguette French Bread {cut into 18-24 slices, 1/4 inch thick}

Olive Oil

1 pkg. frozen Italian meatballs, bite sized {about 1 lb.}

1 pkg. frozen onion & bell pepper mix, thawed & drained

1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce {I used Classico Tomato & Basil...HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!}

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350.  Meanwhile, slice your bread.

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Brush each slice with olive oil on one side.  I didn't use any measurements for this...I just coated with my pastry brush! Line the bottom and the side with the bread slices...oil side up...slightly overlapping the slices on the side.  You won't need to grease your dish for this recipe!  {You'll need a deep casserole dish for this meal.  The original recipe suggests a pie plate, but there's NO way that would've worked!  I used my 1 qt. Corningware and it was PERFECT!!!!}

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Bake bread for about 5-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.  Ummmm...I sorta forgot that the bread was in the oven, so mine stayed in for about 10-13 minutes and it was PERFECT!!  Fortunate mistake!!!

In a separate bowl, mix meatballs, bell pepper & onion mix, & spaghetti sauce to coat.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Tomato & Basil by Classico.  SOOOOO good!!!!!

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Remove the bread from the oven and spoon the meatball mixture into the dish on top of the bread.  Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly heated through in the center. 

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I pulled it out at about 25 minutes and covered with the mozzarella cheese and baked it for another 5 minutes or so...PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!

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I am NOT kidding you when I say that this is one of the BEST new recipes I've ever tried!!!  Mr. Spouse says that it's a DEFINITE keeper.  He even saved it for leftovers!!!!   As soon as he took a bite, he said "I love the crunchiness of the bread with the softness of the meatballs."  I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE me some crunchy bread.  He was SO right!  That definitely made the meal!  As you can see, it seriously took little to no effort to prepare.  Mr. Spouse emailed me at work the next day to tell me it was AWESOME as leftovers....that NEVER happens!!!!  I can't wait to try this one again!!!!!!!!

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21 comments:

  1. Oh Oh Oh! I can't wait to try this!

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  2. Yummmm that looks delish and is soo easy to make!!

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  3. Ohhh! Can't wait to try this one! I just tried your spinach pasta dish last night. It was AMAZING! The husband loved it too. Having the leftovers today for lunch!

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  4. I've made several of your recipes and all have turned out GREAT. Can't wait to try this one! It looks right up our alley. Thanks!!

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  5. update! I made this over the weekend and threw in a handful of ziti. This has earned a spot on my most favored recipe roster. Thanks so much for passing along :)

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  6. Do you thaw the meatballs before baking them?

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  8. Loved this recipe!!!! So yummy!!!

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  9. What is the pepper/onion mix? Just sauteed onions and peppers?

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  10. Saw that you put this on a FB comment and had to check it out. It looks so yummy! I am definitely going to try it and I am now your newest follower!

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  11. This has become my family's favorite super-fast but doesn't taste like it dinner for busy nights! I save even more time by buying frozen green pepper onion mix and using the "garlic chips" our store sells in the bakery- it's basically say old baguette that they slice, butter, season and bake- for the same price as the baguette and same flavor as at home. Sooo good! :) I make a smaller dish on the side with vegetarian meatballs for one son. So easy!

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  12. Holy awesome!!! Was just sitting there wondering what I could make for dinner -- turns out I have EVERYTHING I need to make this. It looks so yummy! Can't wait to try it out!

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  13. This recipe was a HIT!! My husband came home tonight and said he had been looking forward all day to eating it for leftovers tonight & I completely agreed!! :0)

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  14. Thanks for this recipe! I made a lighter version and posted it on my blog http://www.ainsleemarsden.com/2012/05/lighten-up-meatball-sandwich-casserole.html and linked back to yours as well. Delish!!

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  15. I added baked italian sausage links sliced in 1/2 inch slices and made it a "combo" casserole! This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! A new fave for my people :-)

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  16. Question...could you use Texas toast? We love that at my house and I was wondering your thoughts. Thanks!!!

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  17. what a nice recipe!!! Surly I will try it myself

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